Dr. Lee Fithian, Associate Professor of Architecture and Director of the OU Online MS in Sustainable Architecture at the University of Oklahoma’s Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture, recently contributed to the new book Teaching Carbon Neutral Design in North America: Twenty Award-Winning Architectural Design Studio Methodologies, edited by Robin Puttock and published by Routledge. Fithian’s chapter, titled “Introduction to Conceptual Design Performance Analysis for Carbon Neutrality,” explores strategies for integrating carbon-neutral principles into the early stages of architectural design.
Fithian’s research and teaching efforts focus on the application of biological and ecological models to architectural design. Each of her studios carries a strong focus on the technical development and integration of analytical visualizations to develop “green” architecture.
With over 17 years of commercial and governmental practice experience, Fithian previously served as the Director of Sustainable Design at Benham Companies. She has also played a pivotal role in founding the Oklahoma Sustainability Network and the State Chapter of US Green Building Council. Currently, she serves on the National AIA Building Performance Advisory Committee, further advancing her commitment to sustainable design.
With this achievement, Fithian joins a distinguished group of educators and practitioners who are shaping the future of architectural education and practice. Her chapter serves as a valuable resource for both students and professionals striving to create a built environment that is both innovative and ecologically responsible.
A team of Construction Science and Architecture students from the Gibbs College of Architecture made their mark on the national stage this week, earning third place out of 37 universities competing at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Student Competition, held during the International Builders' Show in Orlando, February 16-18, 2026.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has elevated Gary Armbruster, FAIA, ALEP to its prestigious College of Fellows—AIA’s highest membership honor—for his exceptional work and sustained contributions to architecture and society. Fellowship recognizes architects who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and made a significant impact at a national level. Members elevated to this distinction carry the FAIA designation after their name.
Students from the Spring 2026 Graduate 4 Architecture Design Studio, led by Professor Amy Leveno, exhibited their work at the School of Visual Arts. The exhibition, titled Reimagining the OU School of Visual Arts, featured drawings, models, and animations developed throughout the semester's studio project. The show was hosted in The Spotlight, a creative gallery space located on the first floor of the Fred Jones Art Center, and ran from January 20–30, 2026.
